Unknown Artist, Thailand, 19th century
Miniatures with Text from the "Legend of Phra Malai"
Double folio; ink, color and gold leaf, c. 1900
Unsigned
Script: Khmer (Cambodian) These texts are written in Khom script, a variant of Khmer script often used in Central Thai religious manuscripts.
Paired devas (lesser gods) on throne-like plinths addorse Khmer (Cambodian) script containing tales of Phra Malai, a Sri Lankan arhat or Buddhist saint known for his travels to hell. There, the compassionate monk gave teachings and comfort to sufferers. Phra Malai stories taught the karmic effects of human actions to the faithful as well as conveying Maitreya's message of hope for attaining nirvana.
Though known in neighboring countries, the stories of Phra Malai achieved their greatest popularity and influence in Siam (present day Thailand)
Condition: Very good
Sight window) size: 11-1/8 x 27 inches
Frame size: 19-5/8 x 34-7/8 x 3/4 inches
The legend of Phra Malai, a Buddhist monk of the Theravada tradition said to have attained supernatural powers through his accumulated merit and meditation, is the main text in this 19th-century Thai samut khoi (folding book) held in the Thai, Lao, and Cambodian Collections of the British Library. Phra Malai figures prominently in Thai art...
Category
Late 19th Century Other Art Style Art by Medium: Pigment